Voting-machine.



7 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

Patented June 13,1911.

Patented June 13,1911.

7 SHEETS-SHEET '2.

J. H. DEAN.

vo'rma mounts. l APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 17, 1008.

vus Nannls FsvsRs ca, wnsmrmfan. l:4 c

J. H. DEAN.

VOTING MACHINE.`

APPLIoATIoH FILED 522117, 190s.

Patented June 13, 1911.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

INE N|JI`RIS PETERS Co., WAININGYON, A1C

" J.H.DBAN.

VOTIN Gy MAGBINE. uPLxoA'rIon FILED MPL11, 190s.

Nu Noun: zum cu.. Wulfman", n. c.

:Paielrlted June 13, 1911.

'l SHEETS-SHEET 4.

Humm

J. H. DEAN.

vom@ momma.

APPLICATION FILED BEPT.17, 1908.

Patented June 13, 1911.

"1 sums-snm s.

,,,,, |491.9..lin?? me Nanni; psu-res cv., wAsNlncvow, n. c,

J. H. DEAN.

VOTING MACHINE. v APPLIUATIQN FILED SEPT. 17, 190e.

Patented June 13, 1911.

TH: 'Nolan/q rsu-Rs ca. wAsmlvcToN. mc.

JAMES H. DEAN, 0F CHICAGO, ILLINOIS,

ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE. ASSIGNMENTS, TO

EMPIRE VOTING MACHINE COMPANY, A CORIORATION OF NEW YORK.

V0 'DING-MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented June 13, 1911 Application iledSeptember 17, 1908. Serial No. 453,477.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JAMES H. DEAN, a citizen of the United States, and aresident of Chicago, county of Cook, and State of Illinois, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in Voting-B/Iachines, ofwhich the following is a specification.

The invention relates to voting machines and more particularly tomechanism for preventing restricted or class voters from casting ballotsfor cert-ain oflices, and to mechanisms for voting yes and no 011questions and amendments.

The invention seeks to provide simple and effective class voting andamendment mechanism, together with means whereby the amendment devicesmay be locked out by the class voting mechanism, y

The invention consists in the features of improvement, combinations andarrangements of parts hereinafter set forth, illustrated in theaccompanying drawings and more particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims.

The invention is particularly applicable to and is shown in connectionwith the type of voting machine set forth in prior applications filed byme December 27, 1902, Serial No. 238,368, and April 3, 1907, Serial No.365,639, although the invention, and particularly some of the featuresthereof, could be adapted to other forms of voting machines.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a vertical section taken from the rear ofthe machine. Fig. 2 is a detail section of one of the anicndment votingmechanisms. Figs. 3 and 4, are detail sections of part of the lockoutfor class or restricted voters. Fig. 5 is a detail section on the line 55 of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a vertical section taken from side to side of themachine on the line 6 6 of Fig. l and with a portion of the back plateof the machine shown in elevation. Fig. 7 is a detail section taken onthe line 77 of Fig. 1 of the class votersy lock-out and looking towardthe rear of the machine. Fig. S is a vertical section from side to sideof the machine on the line 8-8 of Fig. l and illustrating the mechanismsfor voting on questions of amendments and the class voters lock-outtherefor'. Fig. 9 is a detail view on' an enlarged scale with partsshown in section on the line 9-9 of Fig. 6. Fig. 10

is a view of the rear of the machine with the back plate broken away toshow the operating mechanism. Fig. 11 is a view of a portion of theoperating mechanism and is similar to Fig. 6 but with the operatingmechanism shown at the other' end of its movement. Fig. 12 is a detailplan view of a portion of the interlocking mechanism with parts omittedfor the sake of clearness and parts shown in section on the line 12-12of Fig. 6. Fig. 13 is a detail view of one `of the locking and restoringshafts with parts mounted thereon shown in section on the lines 13-13 ofFigs. 6 and S. Figs. 14, l5 and 16 are detail sections on the lines11i-14 15415 and 16-16 respectively of Fig. 13.

As set forth in the prior applications referred to, the machine isprovided with a box-like frame 1 and the voting keys are arranged uponthe upper, horizontal face of the machine frame, preferably in officerows extending from side to side of the machine and in party columnsextcllding from front to rear thereof. The voting keys are arranged inremovable units or sections each of which carries two keys, the counterscontrolled by the two keys and restoring and locking devices for thekeys. Each counter section or unit comprises two connected sideplatesand the sections are mounted at the upper portion of the machine onhorizontal cross-supports 4, so that the keys carried by the sectionsare arranged in office rows extending from side to side of the machineand party columns extending from front to rear thereof. Each key isguided at its upper end in a block 5 fixed to the counter section and isprovided with a depending tailpiece 6 which extends between a pair ofguide pins or rollers 7 at the lower edge of the counter section. Thecounters for the two keys of a section are arranged on opposite sides ofthe keys and comprise counter wheels S'mounted upon cross shafts or pins9 that extend between side-plates 3 of the counter section. The unitwheel of each counter' is provided with a Geneva stop gear whichcoperates with a Geneva stop act-uator 9.r The actuators 9 are rotatablymounted in supports 10 that are axially shiftable on the cross-pins 11.The tailpieces 6 of the voters keys are provided with cam slots 12 whichengage pins 13 connected to the actuator supports 10 so that as theballot indicators or keys are shifted longitudinally to and from votedposition, the

counter actuators 9 are shifted in axial direction into and out ofoperative relation with the corresponding counters. The actuators 10 ofthe several counter sections are arranged in line and a series of shafts15 extend through the actuators. These shafts are oscillated by theoperating mechanism to advance the counters corresponding to the voted'keys one step. This counter mechanism is fully set forth in the priorapplications above referred to and need not be more fully describedhere.

A column of keys 2al at one side of the machine are used for voting forirregular candidates. These keys are carried in their sections similarto the counter sections, and each comprises a pair of connectedsideplates 3a mounted upon the cross supports 4. The tail portion 6 ofeach key 2al is arranged to control a printing plunger 16 that isoperated by a sliding actuator 17. The plunger and actuator are arrangedto slide between guide pins 18 extending between the side-plates 3. Theplunger actuator 17 is connected by a link 19 to a crank-arm 20 that isjournaled between the side-plates 3. The hubs of these crank-arms arearranged in line and one of the actuator shafts 15 extends therethroughto reciprocate the plunger actuator 17 when it is oscillated by theoperating mechanism. Each irregular' key 2a is arranged to connect anddisconnect the corresponding plunger and actuator as it is shifted toand from voted position. The plungers 16 are'arranged to impress a cardinserted into the machine through a slot 21 beside the column of keys2a. The plungers print different numbers on the cards so as to identifythe names of irre ular candidates written thereon with the ifferentofIices. This irregular mechanism is more fully set forth in anapplication filed by me July 25, 1905, Serial No. 271,216.

TheY tail-piece 6 of each of the regular and irregular keys is arrangedto engage one end of a rocker-arm 22. The two rockerarms of the keys ofeach section are loosely mounted upon a hub 23 journaled between theside-plates of the section. Later-ally extending lugs 24 on the hubs 23extend between pairs of shoulders 24 and 25 on the rocker-arms 22. Aseries of locking and restoring shafts 27 extend through the hubs 23 andarranged to be oscillated by the operating mechanism of the machine. Theoperating mechanism normally holds the shafts 27 against movement withthe keys 2 and 2*L in their raised or unvoted position. In this positionof the parts the lugs 24 on the hubs 13 engage the shoulders 25 of therock arms 22 and lock the rock arms and keys in unvoted position. Whenthe voter is admitted to the machine, the shafts 27 are unlocked so thathe may depress the keys to voted position. When the voter leaves themachine,

than the width of the lugs 24, so that this movement of the shaft 27 andthe hubs 23 thereon will not shift any of the other keys` in the samecolumn and connected to the same shaft, but the shift of the shaft willmerely serve to take up the lost motion between the lugs 24 and theshoulders 26 on the rock arms of the other keys. These shafts are notonly locking and restoring shafts, but

are also employed as straight ticket members, and for this purpose areprovided on their forward ends with straight ticket cranks or keys 28.By means of the key, the shaft may be rocked in the direction indicatedby the arrow in Fig. 6 to first take up the lost motion between the lugs24, which turn with the shaft and the shoulders 26 on the rock arms andthen, through the medium of the engagement of the lugs 24 with theshoulders 26, shift the rock arms and shift the column of keys connectedthereto to voted position. The movement of the shaft 27, effected by thestraight ticket key 28, must be through a full quarter turn to effectits operation.

The regular candidate keys and irregular voting keys are provided withinterlocking mechanism comprising a series of interlocking straps orarrows 29 thatare pivotally connected at their upper ends respectivelyto the tail portions of the rock arms of the corresponding keys. Theinterlocking straps or arrows 29 extend downwardly, each between a pairof interlocking blocks 30, and the arrows are provided on their lowerends with spreaders 31 for the blocks. The blocks 30 are arranged inrows which correspond to the separate oiice rows of keys, and each rowof blocks is arranged to slide in horizontal direction in a suitableguide or channel 32 formed in the lower portion of two side plates 33whichv are connected together and suitably spaced apart by shoulderrivets 34.

There is, as stated, one row of blocks and interlocking arrows orspreaders for each office row of keys. The arrows are longitudinallymovable by the keys to spread the blocks apart and the arrows and blocksare laterally movable in the horizontal guide channel independently ofthe keys. By limiting the lateral shift of the blocks, the number ofspreaders which can be moved longitudinally to position between them andthe number of keys which can be shifted to Voted position can beproperly limited. For

this purpose each channel is provided at one end with a stop plate 35,having a lug 36 which extends downwardly into the path of movement ofthe end block 30a in the channel. At its opposite end each channel isprovided with a hook 37 that is pivotally mounted on one of the rivets34 andthe end of which is arranged to extend downwardly into the path ofmovement of the opposite end block 30b in the channel. The hook 37, innormal position, rests upon one of the supporting rods 38 for the guidechannels. These rods extending through the ends of the plates 33 Vwhichform the guide channels are all connected at front and rear to themachine frame. Spacing sleeves 39 are arranged on the supporting rods 38between the separate guides or channels and a spacing sleeve 40 on therod 38 is arranged between the pair of plates of each separate guide orchannel, as shown in Fig. 9.

A side door 41 on the machine frame is normally locked in position. Byremoving this side door the hooks 37 may be lifted to open the ends ofthe interlocking guides or channels. Vhere a row of keysare to bearranged in a single candidate group a grouping block 42 of properlength will be lnserted in the corresponding channel between the endblock 30b and the adjacent hook 37, so that only one spreader and key inthat row can be voted. The row of interlocking devices shown in Fig. Gand the two lower rows shown in Fig. 12 are arranged for singlecandidate groups.

To arrange separate rows of keys and interlocking devices in groups tierods are einployed for connecting the opposite end blocks of adjacentrows. Each tie rod 43 is connected at one end to a depending lug 44 onan end block 30a and atits opposite end is connected to the opposite endblock 30 of the next adjacent row through the medium of a swinging linkor dog 45. These dogs or links are pivotally connected at one end to thetie rods and at their opposite ends to depending lugs 46 on the endblocks 30h, and eachlink is provided with a projecting lug 47 on itsend, which may be engaged with the channel 32 to hold the link 45 andtie rod 43 in horizontal position, and theres by connect the oppositeend blocks of two adjacent rows to move in unison. By removing the dogor link from the channel the two end blocks connected by the link andthe corresponding tie rod may move independently of each other.

l To connect a number of adjacent rows into groups the end blocks 30h inall the vrows except the last row in the group are of proper size willbe inserted to limit the movement of the entire group of blocks andspreaders, as desired. In Fig. 12 two multicandidate groups are shown,each so arranged that any two keys in the group can be voted. Thisinterlocking mechanism is more fully set forth and claimed in anapplication tiled by me September' 17, 1908, Serial No. 453476.

. The keys 2 merely serve to set the counter actuators into and out ofoperative position and the interlocking arrows may be moved into and outof line with the rows of blocks so that any voted key can be retractedto correct or change a vote. This is true also of the irregular votingkeys 2a, since these keys merely serve to connect and disconnect theprinting plungers 16 and the actuators 17 therefor.

A supplemental interlock is arranged between the combined straightticket and restoring shafts 27 so that strains can not be exerted on themain interlock through the medium of the straight ticket keys 28. Thissupplemental interlock is illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14 and is also setforth in a prior application filed by me November 8, 1907, Serial No.401,223. This supplemental interlock comprises two rows of blocks 48 and53 are also arranged upon the pins 51 between the plates and the innerand outer rows of blocks 48 and 49. The combined straight ticket andrestoring shafts 27 extend through the plates 50 above the rows ofblocks therein and each engages the hub of a crank arm 54 that isjournaled between the plates 50. These crank arms are each provided witha pair of links 55 which eX- tend downwardly on opposite sides of therows of blocks 48 and 49 and are provided at their lower ends with aspreader pin 56 for the interlocking blocks 48 and 49. The lower cornersof the blocks are cut away to" form bevels against which the spreaderpins act. These bevels are so arranged that each one of the outer row ofblocks has a long interlocking face on its left hand end and a shortinterlocking face on its right hand end, while each of the inner row ofblocks is rovided with a long interlocking face at its right hand endand a short interlocking face at its left hand end. When any straightticket key is moved to voted position the spreader pin will engage theshort interlocking face of the adjacent blocks in both the inner andouter rows so that all lost motion in the set of blocks is taken up andnone of the other shafts 27 can be shifted. All keys,

both straight and individual candidate keys, are thus locked againstmovement unless the voted straight ticket key is retracted. The shafts27, however, move as stated through a one-eighth turn when any of theindividual keys connected thereto are voted. When one of the shafts isso moved the spreader pin 56 connected thereto will only engage the longinterlocking faces of the adjacent blocks in the inner and outer rows,but if individual keys in two separate party tickets or columns arevoted the blocks 48 and 49 will be moved together and no straight ticketkey can be completely turned through one-quarter revolution from normalto it-s voted position unless some of the individual keys which havebeen voted are first retracted.

For testing aflirmative and negative votes on amendments and questionsmeans are provided for interlocking the two keys of any section so thatonly one of them can be voted. This interlocking means comprises a plate57 (see Figs. 1, 2 and 8), which-.is pro.

vided with upwardly projecting lugs 59 at its ends which are notched toset over the supporting cross bars 4. The lower central portion of theplate is provided with a lug 59, preferably formed of a short piece ofmetal inserted through an opening at the center of the plate andadjacent its lower edge, with the ends of the metal strip bent downagainst the opposite face of the plate, as shown in Fig. 2. When the twokeys of one of the counter sections are to be employed for voting on anamendment or question, one of the interlocking plates 57 will be mountedupon the supports 4 with the central part of the plate extending betweenthe lower ends of the tailpieces 6 of the keys and below the guides 7.In this posi tion the lug 59 will be just below the lower inner cornersof the tail pieces (i. This lug is wider than the space between the tailpieces 6, so that, if'one of the keys is shifted to voted position, asshown in Fig. 2, the plate 57 will be moved laterally and the lug 59thereon will lock the other key. By retracting the voted key the otherkey may be voted,.but both can not be placed in voted position at thesame time. In this way any of the counter sections may be adapted forvoting on amendments. The lower corners of the tail. pieces 6 of thekeys are preferably rounded and coperate with the u er rounded surfaceof the lug 59 to shift the locking plate 57 laterally.

The amendment sections may be arranged at any part of the machine, butas shown they are arranged at the back of the machine. That is to say,the first four keys in each of the columns that extend from front torear of the machine or the first four rows of keys that extend from sideto side of the machine are arranged for voting on amendments and the twokeys of each section are provided, as shown in Figs. 1 and 8, with aninterlocking device 57. Vhen the keys for voting on amendments andquestions are thus arranged in line with the party columns of keys it isnecessary that they be disconnected from the straight ticket keys. Forthis purpose the rock arms 22a (see Fig. 16) that are connected to theamendment keys are of special form. That is to say, they are similar inall respects to the rock arms 22 for the regular keys, except that theshoulder 26 is cut away so that the shift of the lugs 24 eective for thestraight ticket shafts will not move the rock arms 22a or the amendmentkeys connected thereto. The shift of the shaft in the oppositedirection, however, will bring the lugs 24 against the shoulders 25 onthe rock arms 22a to restore any amendment keys which lmay have beenvoted. It is also necessary to provide means whereby the supplementalinterlocking mechanism for the straight ticket shafts will not preventthe operation of the amendment keys when one of the straight ticketshafts is moved fully to its voted position. For this purpose thelocking and restoring shaft is divided into two parts or sections 27 and27a. The part 27 extends through the sections having the regularcandidate keys and the section 27a extends through the sections havingamendment keys. At their adjacent ends the sections 27 and 27aL areprovided with heads 60, each having at diametrically opposite points apair of projecting pins 6l. These pins abut, as shown in Fig. 15, andform a oneway connection between the separate shaft sections 27 and 27a.The shaft sections 27a are connected at their rear ends to and arecontrolled by the operating mechanism, and when these shafts 27a arerocked by the operating mechanism, at the end of the voting operation,the shafts 27a are also rocked through the medium of the one-wayconnections described and the voted keys, both amendment and regularkeys, will be re` stored to normal position. The one-way connection,however, between each pair of shafts 27 and 27a permits the movement ofthe shaft 27a and the voting of any of the amendmentkeys, even though astraight ticket key has been voted and the shafts 27 locked againstmovement by the supplemental interlocking devices atthe forward ends ofthese shafts.

The class voters lock-out for the machine comprises a set ofsupplemental spreaders 62 for the rows of interlocking blocks 30. Thereis one of these supplemental spreaders for each row of blocks and theyextend upwardly through the rows as shown in Figs. 6 and 8 and areprovided on their up` per ends with enlarged spreader portions 63. Attheir lower ends (see Figs. 3, 4 and 9) the arrows 62 are connected to aseries of arms 64. Each arm is provided with a hub portion 65 that isjournaled in a frame consisting of a pair of side plates 66 that areconnected by shouldered cross-pins 67. The frames which carry the. rockarm 64 are mounted side by side on a pair of supporting bolts 68 whichextend from front to rear through the plates 66 and through spacingvsleeves 69 arranged between the plates 66. The hubs 65 of the arms 64are thus held in line and are provided with a. square opening throughwhich extends a square operating shaft 7 0. At its rear end the shaft isprovided with a crank 71 and a handle 7 2 is arranged upon a hollow pin73 on the end of the crank. A plunger 74, fixed at its outer end to thehandle 72, extends through the hollow pin 73 and is arranged to engageone or the other of a pair of openings 75 in a segment 76 fixed to theback plate 7 7 of the machine. A spring 78 arranged within the hollowvpin 73 extends between the end thereof and a shoulder on the plunger74. By means of the handle the plunger may be moved outand to either ofthe holes 75 and the crank 71 shifted. Stops 7 9 on the segment 76 limitthe movement of the handle 71 and shaft 70 to one quarter of arevolution. The shaft 70 is longitudinally shiftable through the hubs ofthe crank arms 64, and when the shaft is withdrawn the crank arms may beplaced in either of two positions, so that when the shaft is againinserted some of the arms will be inline with the crank handle 71 andothers at right angles thereto, as shown in Fig. 7. Then when the handle71 is shifted through a quarter turn t-he spreader 62 connected with thearms in line with the handle will merely move idly from one side to theother of the shaft 70. The spreaders, however, connected with the armsat right angles to the handle will be drawn down by this shift into therows of blocks to take up the lost play and prevent the operation. ofthe other spreaders associated with the same row and of the keysconnected thereto. By properly adjusting the arms 64, therefore, beforean election, the lock-out may be so arranged that, when the crank 71 isshifted from normal position, certain of the office groups of keys willbe locked out and certain others will be left free for operation by therestricted or class voter. By having one supplemental spreader for eachotlice row both single candidate and multi-candidate groups may belocked out. In Fig. 12 the upper group of two and the upper singlecandldate group are shown locked out by the class voters mechanism.

To lock the class voters mechanism in adjusted position the shaft 7 0 isprovided at its rear end with a collar 80 (see Figs. 1 and 9), and alocking bolt 81 is arranged to engage the collar to permit thelongitudinal removal of the shaft 70. The bolt 81 is movably mountedupon the back plate 77 of the machine by means of pins 82 which eX- tendthrough slots 83 in the bolt. At its inner end the plate is providedwitha notch 84 (see Fig. 5), which is arranged to extend over the shaft 7()and thereby bring the end of the bolt opposite the'collar 8() to preventthe withdrawal of the shaft 70. The outer end of the bolt 81 is, in itslocked position, engaged by the door 41. In its released position thebolt projects outwardly so that the door can be placed on the machineuntil the plate 81 is set in locking position. This guards againstcarelessness of the custodian and compels him to lock the class votersmechanism in adjusted position before he can place the side door inposition. For a similar reason the side door `41 is provided with aprojecting angle bar 85, which is arranged to hold down the lockinglatches for the interlocking mechanism so that the latter will remain inthe condition in which it is placed by the custodian of the machine.

To lock out the amendment keys when a restricted voter is admitted tothe machine the rock arms 228L connected to these keys are provided withinterlocking arrows 29 and rows of blocks 3() which are similar to thoseof the regular candidate keys. The grouping block 42, however, in eachof the rows of blocks for the amendment keys is of such size that all ofthe keys in the corresponding row may be shifted to voted position. Theinterlocking arrows and blocks therefore do not act to limit the numberof keys which may be operated. The supplemental arrows 62, which extendwithin the rows of blocks associated with the amendment keys, areprovided with spreader portions 63 of suiiicient size to take up alllost play in the rows of blocks. That is to say, if there are fouramendment keys in each row the lost play in the row of blocks willpermit the operation of all four of the keys, but, when the class voterslockout is operated and the corresponding spreader 63 drawn down intothe row of blocks, all the space will be taken up and none of the keyscan be operated. This lock-out for the amendment keys has the sameoperating shaft 70 as the lock-out for the candidate keys, and it is ina similar manner adjustable sov that the amendment keys in the differentrows may be variably locked out in accordance ,with the requirements ofthe different locations.

The operating mechanism at the back of the machine, as set forth in theprior applications referred to, comprises a main operating sectionformed of connectedside plates 86 that extend from side to side of themachine. A series of rock arms 87 journaled in the main operatingsection engage the ends of t-he actuator shaft 15 and are connectedtogether by a common bar 88. The arm on the end actuator shaft 15a is inthe form of a bell crank and is connected by a vertical link 89 to abell crank 90, journaled at the lower portion `of the main operatingsection. A horizontal link 91 connects the bell crank 90 to the lowerend of a shifter or operating bell crank 92 that is pivotally mounted inthe operating section. The other arm of this bell crank is provided witha pin 93 which engages a slot 94 in a cam plate 96, which is arranged toslide between guides 97 on the back of the main operating sect-ion 86.Ak ratchet plate 98 secured to the cam plate is connected by a link 99to a crank arm 100 andl this crank arm is connected to an operatinglever 101.

' The locking and restoring shafts 27a engage crank arms 102 in the mainoperating section. A reciprocating Vbar 103 in the main operatingsection is'provided with lugs 104 that normally engage the arms 102 andhold the shafts 27a and 27 and the keys connected thereto againstmovement. This bar is mounted to slide on cross pins 105 which extendthrough slots 106 therein. The bar 103 is shifted in one direction tounlock t-he keys by a judges intervening bar 106, which is arranged toengage the end of the locking bar 103. The latter is shifted in theopposite direction to rock the shafts 27a and 27 and restore and lockthe keys by an operating bell crank 108 that is provided with a pin 109engaging a cam slot 110 in the cam plate 95. A pin 111 on the end of thebar 103 controls an arm 112 that is connected by a link 113 to a crankarm 114 that engages the restoring shaft 27d for the irregular candidatekeys.

A cam slot 115 in the upper portion of the ratchet plate 98 controls aseries of crank arms 116 that are connected by a rod 117 and engage aseries of shafts 118. These shafts control dogs 119 (see Fig. 6),arranged within the counter sections to engage the ends of the rockarms'22 to complete the movement of any partially voted key and to lockthe keys and actuators either in voted or unvoted position during theoperation of the actuators upon the counters. The lower edge of theratchet plate 98 is provided with a series of teeth 120, which coperatewith a full stroke dog 121 to compel the complete shift of the operatingmechanism in one or the other direction.

When the voter is admitted to the machine the operating mechanism is atthe right side of the machine, when viewed from the rear, as in Figs. 10and 11. He first shifts the carriage of the operating mechanism to theleft, as shown in Fig. 10. This moves the crank arm 92 to oscillate theactuato-r shafts and also moves the bell crank 108 to release thelocking bar 103. At the end of its shift the carriage of the operatingmechanism engages a pin 122 on a latch 123 and shifts the latch torelease the intervening bar 107. This latch is normally held Vby aspring 124 into engagement with a notch in the lower edge of the bar tolock it against movement. When the latch is unlocked the judge may shiftthe bar inwardly to move the locking bar 103 and release the shafts 27and 27aL so that the keys may be voted. Vhen the keys are set by thevoter as desired, the main operating lever and carriage are returned tothe right to rock the actuator shafts 15 and advance the counterscorresponding to the voted keys. At the end of its movement the bellcrank 108 will be shifted to move the bar 103 and shafts 27 and 27a torestore and lock the keys in normal position.

Means are provided for preventing the .shift of the class votersmechanism when the voter is admitted to the machine. For this purpose acrank arm 125 on the shaft (see Figs. 9, 10 and 11) is connected by anupwardly extending link 126 to a pin 127. This pin extends through aslot 128 in the back plate 77 of the machine and is connected to ahorizontal arm 129 co-nnected by a pivoted pin 130 at one end to theback of the machine. When the voter is admitte to the machine he shiftsthe main operating lever 101 and parts controlled thereby to the left,as shown in Fig. 10. This brings the ratchet plate 98 just above the bar129, and, through the medium of the -link 126 and arm 125, locks theshifter for the class voters mechanism against movement. The classvoters mechanism must therefore be set in position before the voter isadmitted to the machine, because when the shaft 70 is moved from oneposition to the other the link 126 raises the bar 129 up into the pathof movement of the ratchet plate 98, as shown in Fig. 11 fin dottedlines, and then moves it back again to normal position upon the completeshift of the crank 71. It is therefore impossible for the voter to movethe carriage..

of the main operating mechanism to the left and unlock the machine whilethe class voters mechanism is being shifted. Moreover, the bar 129compels the complete shift of the class voters mechanism to one or theother of its positions, either for regular or for restricted voters, orthe carriage can not be shiftedY to unlock the machine.

It is obvious that numerous changes may be made in the details set forthwithout departure from the essence of the invention.

I claim as my invention 1. In voting machines, the combination with anumber of sets of ballot indicators or keys, of a corresponding numberof sets of interlocking blocks, spreaders for said blocks connected toand operated by said keys, means for limiting the movement of saidblocks and class voters mechanism comprising a number of supplementalspreaders, one for each set of blocks, and a shifter whereon saidsupplemental spreaders are adjustable into and out of operativeposition.

2. In voting machines, the combination with a number of oiiice rows ofballot indicators or keys, of-a corresponding number of sets ofinterlocking blocks, spreaders for said blocks connected to and shiftedby said keys, means for throwing separate sets of interlocking blocksand spreaders into groups, means for limiting the movement of thedifferent sets and groups, and class voters mechanism comprising aseries of supplemental spreaders one for each set of interlocking blocksand an oscillating shifter whereon said supplemental spreaders areadjustable either to operative or inoperative position.

3. In voting machines, the combination with a number of oiiice rows ofballot indicators or keys, of a corresponding number of sets ofinterlocking blocks, spreaders for said blocks connected to and shiftedlongitudinally by said keys, said blocks and spreaders being laterallymovable independently of said keys, means for throwing separate sets ofblocks and spreaders into groups and so limiting their lateral movement,and class voters mechanism comprising a number of supplemental spreadersone for each set of interlocking blocks, said supplemental spreadersbeing laterally shiftable with said blocks and a shifter for saidsupplemental spreaders whereon the same are adjustable to and out ofoperative position.

4. In voting machines, the combinationV with a number of oflice rows ofballot indicators or keys, of a corresponding number of sets ofinterlocking blocks, spreaders for said blocks connected to and shiftedby said keys, detachable connections between the end blocks of adjacentsets for throwing the same into groups, means for limiting the movementof the sets and groups of blocks, and class voters mechanism comprisinga number of supplemental spreaders one for each set of blocks and anoscillating shifter whereon said supplemental spreaders are adjustableinto and out of operative position.

5. In voting machines, the combination with a number of office rows ofballot indicators or keys, of a corresponding number of rows ofinterlocking blocks, spreaders for said blocks connected to and operatedby said keys, means for connecting adjacent rows of blocks into groups,means for limiting the movement of the sets and groups of' blocks andclass voters mechanism comprising a number of supplemental spreaders onefor each set of blocks, and a shifter whereon said supplementalspreaders are adjustable into and out of operative position.

6. In voting machines, the combination with a number of olice rows ofballot indicators or keys, of a corresponding number of rows ofinterlocking blocks, spreaders for said blocks connected to andlongitudinally shifted by said keys, said spreaders and blocks beinglaterally movable independently of said keys, means for connecting theopposite end blocks of adjacent rows to arrange the same in groups,means for limiting the lateral movement of the different sets and groupsof blocks, and class voters mechanism comprising a supplemental set ofspreaders one for each set of blocks, an operating rock-shaft for saidsupplemental spreaders and arms adjustable on said rockshaftto whichsaid spreaders are connected.l

7. In voting machines, the combination with a number of oflice rows ofballot indicators or keys, of a corresponding number of .sets ofinterlocking spreaders and spacing devices, means for limiting thelateral movement of said spreaders and spacing devices and class votersmechanism comprising a number of supplemental spreaders one for each setof interlocking spreaders and spacing devices, a shifter whereon saidsupplemental spreaders are adjustable into and out of operativeposit-ion and locking'means for holding said spreaders in adjustedposition.

8. In voting machines, the combination with a number of otlice rows ofballot indicators or keys, a corresponding number of rows ofinterlocking blocks, spreaders for said blocks connected to and operatedby said keys, means for connecting adjacent rows of blocks .into groups,means for limiting the movement of the separate sets and` groups ofblocks and class voters mechanism comprising a number of supplementalspreaders one for each set of blocks, a series of arms whereon saidsupplemental spreaders are pivoted, supports whereon said arms are.rotatable, an operating shaft shiftable through said arms and whereonsaid arms are adjustable and a lock for holding said operating shaft inposition.

9. In voting machines, the combination with a number of sets of ballotindicators or keys, counters controlled by said keys and operatingmechanism controlling the movement of said keys and counters, anadjustable class voters lock-out and interlocking devices between saidlock-out and said operating. mechanism.

10. In voting machines, the combination with a number of oiiice sets ofballot indicators or keys, of interlocking mechanism forV said keys, anadjustable class voters lock-out coperating with said interlockingmechanism, locking and restoring devices for said keys and means forpreventing the shift of said class voters lock-out while said keys arereleased for operation.

l1. In voting machines, the combination with a number of oiiice rows ofballot indicators or keys, of interlocking mechanismv for said keys, anadjustable class voters lock-out coopera-ting with said interlockingmechanism, means for restoring and locking said keys and devices forpreventing the shift of said locking and restoring means to release saidkeys during the operation of said class voters lock-out.

12. In vot-ing mach'nes, the combination with a number of pairs of keysfor voting on amendments and an interlocking device between each pair ofkeys, of a class voters lock-out for said amendment keys comprisinginterlocking spreaders connected to said keys, means for limiting the-movement of said spreaders and a supplemental spreader for taking upthe lost vplay between said interlocking spreaders.

13. In voting machines, the combination with a number of pairs of keysfor voting on-famendments arranged in rows andan' inet-flocking devicefor each pair of keys, of a class voters lock-out for said amendmentkeys comprising a number of rows of blocks one for each row ofamendmentkeys,

spreaders for said 'blocks connected to and shifted by said keys, meansfor limiting the` movement of said blocks, a number of supplementalspreaders one for eachfrow of blocks and an operating shifterw-hereonsaid supplemental spreaders are adjustable intol and out of operativeposition.

14. In voting machines, the combination with a series of regularcandidate keysand:

a number of amendment keys arranged in -pairs with an interlockingdevice between each pair of amendment'keys, of a number of interlockingspreaders one connected to each of said keys, means for limiting themovement ofv said spreaders, and a class voters lock-out comprising anumber ofzsup-` .perative position.

15. 'In votingmachines, the combination with a number of office rows ofregular can'- didate keys and a number of rows of amendment keysarranged in .pairs with an interlocking device between each pair ofamendment keys, of a number of rows of interlocking blocks one for eachrow of regular candidate and amendment keys, spreaders for saidblocksconnected to said keys, -means for limiting the movement of said blocksand a class voters lock-out comprising a number of supplementalspreaders one for each row of blocks, and an operating shifter whereonsaidA supplemental spreaders are adjust-able into= and out of operativeposition.

16. fln voting machines, the combination with a column of keys, partarranged for voting on regular candidates and` part arranged in pairswith an interlocking device between each pair for voting on amendments,of a combined straight ticket and restoring member .for said regularcandidate keys and a restoring member' for said amendment keys having aone-way engagement with said combined straight ticket and restoringmember for said regular candidate keys.

17. In voting machines, the combination with a numbeij` of columns ofkeys, part of each column being arranged -or regular can'- didates Yandpart arranged in pairs, an interlocking device between each pair forvoting on amendments, interlocking mechanism between-said `regularcandidate keys, a combined straight` ticket and restoringAA ber for saidregular candidate keys 'having a lost motion connection therewith, aseries of restoring members -for said amendment keys 'having -a one-wayengagement there- `with and operating mechanism controlling ythe'movement of said restoring members for said amendment keys, saidrestoring members having one-way connections to' conibinev Copies ofthis patent may be obtained for ivev cents each, by addressing theCommissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. C.

